FlightFinder
Check my flight
1 fatality

Intoxicated Pilot Strikes Utility Pole During Night Flight (N5883V)

Belle Chase, LA, US

On July 4, 2001, a Piper PA-32R-300 (registration N5883V) was involved in an aviation accident near Belle Chase, LA. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain clearance with a utility pole while maneuvering. Contributing factors were the pilot's impairment due to alcohol intoxication and the night light conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A private pilot attempting to locate an unlit airport at night struck a utility pole, causing a fire and crash into a canal. Toxicology revealed the pilot was intoxicated.

Flight Details

A private pilot attempted to find an unlit airport during nighttime hours. Radar data indicated that the airplane flew at low altitudes on two separate occasions. The pilot did not have the frequency selected for the pilot-controlled runway lighting system at the private airport, and a witness reported that the runway lights were not illuminated.

Witness Accounts

Witnesses near the accident site observed the airplane flying low until it impacted a utility pole. Following the collision, the airplane burst into flames and descended into a canal.

Post-Accident Examination

A post-accident examination of the wreckage revealed no anomalies with the aircraft or engine.

Pilot Toxicology

Toxicology tests performed on the pilot detected ethanol at a concentration of 0.14% in vitreous fluid, indicating intoxication at the time of the accident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Jul 2001 Piper PA-32R-300 accident near Belle Chase, LA?

A private pilot attempting to locate an unlit airport at night struck a utility pole, causing a fire and crash into a canal. Toxicology revealed the pilot was intoxicated.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Jul 2001 Piper PA-32R-300 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Jul 2001 involved a Piper PA-32R-300, registration N5883V, at Belle Chase, LA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to maintain clearance with a utility pole while maneuvering. Contributing factors were the pilot's impairment due to alcohol intoxication and the night light conditions.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010705X01312. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.